The Governor's Advocacy Office at the Department of Human Services (DHS) is part of the Department Director's Office and serves as follows:

The DHS Ombudsman program for the department's cash, food, employment, family services, aging and disability medical programs, disability assistance and support services for families, adults and children. This includes adult protective services for vulnerable adults and long term care service issues that fall outside the scope of resident rights in community and nursing care settings.

The Oregon Children's Ombudsman program which specifically responds to concerns regarding child abuse and neglect, child protective services, and issues relevant to individual child welfare cases or general program practices.

TheFoster Care Ombudsman​ has a 1-800 number available to any minor child in foster care or a residential setting to contact for help, to report abuse or to file a grievance.

The Governor's Advocacy Office serves thousands of individuals and families throughout Oregon every year. Anyone experiencing a problem with, or seeking information about programs or services provided by DHS may receive help and direction from the Governor's Advocacy Office's ombudsmen.

What G​AO Does

The ombudsman program will objectively evaluate and work to resolve issues and concerns presented by individuals who contact GAO. These concerns include, but are not limited to child abuse and neglect, adult and elder abuse or neglect, access to DHS public assistance programs, customer service matters, resources for individual and family support services or treatment programs, including services for individuals with physical, mental or developmental disabilities.

Role of Gove​rnor's Advocate/Ombudsman:

Respond to customer concerns or complaints

Investigate and research issues or grievances to determine whether program staff are in compliance with DHS policies and procedures

Track and identify systemic trends or training needs; recommend modifications to policy and procedures when findings determine that an existing policy has an unintended or adverse impact on clients

Communicate on behalf of individuals who perceive inequities or inconsistencies within the DHS systems

Provide appropriate, timely and quality services to customers; assist with information and access to DHS programs and services

Reinforce the intentions that drive program integrity; GAO is one component of accountability for all DHS programs

Guidance on navigating within the DHS organization; including client rights and due processes

Limi​tations

GAO jurisdiction is only over DHS programs and services.

GAO must adhere to Oregon statutes, administrative rules, department and program policies without exception.

Client Civil Rights and Formal Complaints

What to do if you want to file a customer service complaint or report of unfair treatment:

Any DHS client or customer who believes they received poor customer service or were treated in a discriminatory manner may file a formal complaint. Follow the instructions on the form to complete the DHS Client Complaint and Report of Discrimination form (see below), then:

GAO coordinates and manages this complaint process. When a report of discrimination is received, GAO will either independently investigate the matter or refer the case to the appropriate government authority for investigation.